Telecom Masts

As the 5G network continues to be rolled out across the country, there have been several recent proposals to install 5G telecom masts in and around Hampton Wick.

Background

Telecom companies are under pressure to deliver ever faster services using 5G. These services often require new equipment – such as substantial metal masts with multiple boxes around the base. The problem is finding suitable locations.

The process for approving telecomms equipment (masts, green comms boxes etc) is not the same as that for regular planning applications. Mobile phone masts generally fall into two categories – those which do require full planning permission and those which only require “prior approval”.

For example, the recent proposal for a mast in Upper Teddington Road only needed “prior approval”. This is where the approval will, by default be granted if the council does not deny the approval within 56 days. In doing so, the Council may only consider the appropriateness of the location and appearance of any equipment and the siting and appearance of the mast.

In this instance, the Council concluded that it was necessary for them to consider the siting and appearance of the proposed installation and, having done so, refused permission. One of the key reasons for refusal was that the application would have resulted in “an unsympathetic, visually prominent, incongruous and overbearing form of development which would cause harm to the character and appearance of the site”.

It should be made clear that despite the council’s refusal of “prior approval”, the telecomms company can appeal to the Department for Communities and Local Government, of which the Planning Inspectorate is a part. There doesn’t appear to be any further opportunity for the council to intervene.

The HWA had some useful discussions with Cllr Robin Brown at the time of this application and members may find the following further points helpful:

• Many people are concerned about health impacts. Although any new technological advance can create anxieties, the government position is here.

• There is also an “industry position” and, whilst this may not cut much ice with those who have concerns, there is some useful information (including a Which video that addresses some of the common fears) here.

• The issues for the Council, as reflected above, are usually whether masts are appropriately placed from a street scene perspective, which, as with the Upper Teddington Road application, the Council will consider when deciding whether to grant or refuse approval.